Tragedy struck in Togo as five French humanitarian volunteers lost their lives in a minibus accident while en route to Benin for a mission.

Preliminary reports indicate that a front tire burst caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the fatal crash. Five passengers died instantly, while eight others sustained serious injuries.

The victims were members of the Lions Club of La Ciotat-Lumière, working on a project to build a maternity ward in Benin.

Togo’s Minister of Security has extended condolences to the bereaved families and announced an investigation into the cause of the accident.